Previous Post from several months ago: http://www.computing.net/windowsme/... I THOUGHT i had it all figured out but the fact was, after manually deleting scvhost.exe i keep getting (every time i restart) the pop-up message that says: "Windows cannot find 'scvhost.exe'. You may have type the name incorrectly in the Run dialog, or another open program cannot find a system file. To search for a file, click the start button, and then click Search.", here's an image i uploaded: http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/87... I think Jboy was right in saying that scvhost.exe is a malicious program, and especially when i am running an winME o/s. Please let me know if i can do anything to fix it, because I'll lose all my family pictures if i use system recovery CD-- I'll use it as a last resort, any help is appreciated, thanks. I want to be a electronic/computer engineer.

svchost.exe - svchost - Process Information Process File: svchost.exe or svchost Process Name: Microsoft Service Host Process Description: svchost.exe is a system process belonging to the Microsoft Windows Operating System which handles processes executed from DLLs. This program is important for the stable and secure running of your computer and should not be terminated. Note: svchost.exe is a process registered as a backdoor vulnerability which may be installed for malicious purposes by an attacker allowing access to your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. If unaccounted for, this process should be removed immediately. Note: svchost.exe is a process which is registered as a trojan. This Trojan allows attackers to access your computer from remote locations, stealing passwords, Internet banking and personal data. This process is a security risk and should be removed from your system. Note: svchost.exe is a process belonging to Microsoft Service Host Process. This program is a non-essential process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems. Determining whether this process is a virus or a legitimate Windows process depends on the directory location it executes or runs from in WinTasks. Cripes, I found these forums looking for information about fixing an old computer when my search on Google referenced a post dating to 2003. But the more and more I read here, the more and more I think a LOT of people here that are answering some of these posts have absolutely no clue what they're talking about or maybe just enjoy seeing their name on a forum board. Evidently, Jboy here has never heard of Google himself, as a search on the term SVCHOST there brings up pages and pages of information stating that SVCHOST IS IN FACT a part of Windows performing the functions listed above. In SOME cases it can be misused as a trojan or backdoor in a malicious context, but unless you KNOW FOR SURE why it is running, it's best to not to delete ANY operating system files. Also, Jboy, since you want to be flippant with your italicized "last year" (seeing as "months ago" was last year as the original poster stated, you twit) perhaps you ought to read the posts thoroughly before you go spouting off anyways. He asked about SCVHOST, NOT SVCHOST which IS IN FACT malware. Whether he meant what you said or vice versa, it's always best to double check ALL your bases before you attempt to slide into home plate. Anyways, since it seems to be TERRIBLY difficult for some of you people to Google anything I've done you the small favor of posting the first few links returned for BOTH searches of SVChost and SCVhost. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314... http://www.liutilities.com/products... http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/p... http://www.liutilities.com/products... http://www.ppedia.com/p4_scvhost-sc... http://www.processlibrary.com/direc... http://www.computing.net/security/w... http://www.short-media.com/forum/sh... Who gave you people access to a computer?

PS To the original poster: There are a few steps you can take to salvage your photos on your hard drive, it will just depend on what other hardware you have at your disposal. 1. IF you can make it through the error messages on boot and get to the desktop, the easiest method of course would be to A. Make CD backups if you can gain access to your CD-RW (Presupposing of course you have one and sufficient blank CDs.) B. If you have access to a USB external hard drive you could attempt to copy your files to it. Both of these ideas then end generally with wiping and reinstalling your desired OS, and reputable Antivirus and Spyware protection (I recommend AVG and AdAware.) 2. If it is impossible to gain access to your desktop and consequently My Computer etc. the long way around would be to disconnect the power, crack the case, remove your hard drive and install it temporarily in another computer where you could back up your files to either that computer's hard drive, CD-RW or an external hard drive. IF this is the method you choose, be sure antivirus software is UPDATED and RUNNING on the host PC before you connect your drive and DO NOT access any of your files other than copying and pasting. (ie do not open any pictures nor run any executable files) Once you have rescued your files be sure to do a thorough sweep of the host computer to be sure you haven't passed anything on. Your issue highlights the extreme importance of REGULAR BACKUPS of your critical data. Whether it be your tax returns or old photos, it's ALL valuable otherwise you wouldn't keep it. Take care, good luck and I hope you save your pictures. Who gave you people access to a computer?

PPS I use a program on my 98/ME boxes called Process Viewer 2000 (or PV2K) which is in many ways far superior to Windows' Task Manager. It may help you gain and MAINTAIN access to your computer if/when/should you find yourself in the same situation again after you pull this one off. ;) If you can't find it available online still, message me here and I'll mail you a copy. Who gave you people access to a computer?